NEKOOSA - Jordan Sarver knows he has what it takes to compete with the best of the best in the Division 2 field at the WIAA state tournament. He was after all, the bronze medalist at 120 pounds as a sophomore.

Ranked No 1. at 132 pounds in Division 2 in the latest wiwrestling.net poll, Sarver carries a regional championship into Saturday's sectional tournament at Oconto Falls for a chance to get back to state.

"Jordan is more physical in his matches this year and doesn't back down from anyone," Nekoosa coach Scott Thurber said. "He's better on his feet and he's a tough rider on top.

"He's also stepped up to be a good leader for us. We have a young team this year and he's good working with the younger kids and helping them improve."

In the last two weeks, you've won your second straight South Central Conference and WIAA Division 2 regional titles. Which meant more to you? I'd have to go with winning regional championships. The regional is the first step to getting to the state tournament and that is my goal. It did feel good to win conference again, though.

What did you learn from your first trip to state last year? That you have to work hard the entire year. Also that I needed to spend more time in the weight room.

You've been ranked No. 1 in Division 2 at 132 pounds for a few weeks now. Do you think about that? I try not to think about it. I don't want it to get into my head.

What is going though your mind when you are locking up a pin? Part of it is that I'm glad that the match is ending and that I won by totally dominating my opponent.

What is the best thing about wrestling? Winning. And you get to inflict a little pain on someone and not get in trouble.

What is your biggest fear? Getting beat in a regional or sectional tournament. Not performing up to my expectations.

Name something on your bucket list: Winning state. That would mean everything to me in terms of wrestling. I don't like heights so something like skydiving is out, winning state in wrestling would mean a lot.

Tell us something that people would be surprised to know about you? I like to go hunting. I do both deer and turkey hunting but I like deer hunting the best. I do both gun and bow deer hunting and I like bow hunting the best. Turkey hunting is fun, too, but it's different. You use a shotgun and you're on the ground, not in a stand like in deer hunting.